Pizza is an interesting thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. This is only one basic step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to always ask “did you wash behind your ears”? When it involves hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Over time, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by swelling which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually return.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” is not very easy for most people. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your hearing, freeway driving can be noisy enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears too. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be cautious to protect your ears!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches dangerous levels.
- Refrain from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at unsafe levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a slow progression. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. That’s why treatment is very crucial when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with customized advice and instructions.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent additional damage while maintaining your current level of hearing.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!